Virtual future for the game developer
Game developer Atari is increasing its commitment to cryptocurrency gambling with the upcoming 2021 launch of a new virtual casino. Located in an Ethereum-based virtual world called “Vegas City,” the new crypto casino will allow players to gamble using tokens.
Atari confirmed its plans in a statement sent to CoinDesk on Monday. The developer behind Pacman and Asteroids is currently building its casino in partnership with Decentral Games, the provider of metaverse casinos that can be played using cryptocurrencies, and itself part of the Decentraland metaverse.
we can move the Atari gaming experience onto the blockchain”
The partners expect to roll out their crypto casino in May this year. Commenting on the future launch, Atari CEO Frederic Chesnais said: “Through collaborating with Decentral Games, we can move the Atari gaming experience onto the blockchain.”
Multiverse casino walkthrough
In a statement on its website, Decentral Games said the casino’s May launch will include giveaways and prizes. There will also be a live performance from DJ and producer Dillon Francis. The company shared the news on its Twitter page Monday morning:
Designed to resemble the Atari logo, the “20 parcel casino estate” will take up residence in the Casino Quarter of “Vegas City”, set in the Decentraland multiverse. Decentral Games said the building will feature red accents and reflective panels “giving it a retro, yet futuristic touch.” Atari’s “Vegas City” lease extends for two years.
players can gamble using MANA, DAI, and Atari cryptocurrencies
Meanwhile, the casino floor will play host to a number of Atari-themed games, including an ‘Atari special’ game offering skill-based play. Players can gamble using MANA, DAI, and Atari cryptocurrencies, earning $DG – Decentral Games’ native token – in return.
88% of the profits from Atari Casino will go to the DG DAO Treasury, which will provide Atari with a say in the future development of Decentral Games. According to a joint statement obtained by Bloomberg, both companies expect to see bets of $150m in 2021, with this rising to $400m over two years.
Atari’s gambling investment
This is not the first time Atari has branched out into the gambling industry. The company first launched its real-money online gaming segment, Atari Casino, in 2014. Developed in partnership with Pariplay, the offering included slots and other casino games. Since then, the game developer has unveiled new casino products in partnership with various suppliers.
Last year, Atari took its first step into the world of crypto gambling through a deal with Native Gaming and Black Dog Venture Partners. The agreement saw the integration of Atari’s crypto tokens with Native Gaming’s first-of-its-kind Massively Multiplayer Online slot game. The company described this as a slot with a monster-catching system similar to that in Pokémon.
More recently, Atari demonstrated its continued commitment to real-world gambling after architecture and design firm the GSD Group revealed plans for an Atari Hotel in Las Vegas.
